Numbers 1:51-53

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁵¹ When the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. And any outsider who comes near shall be put to death. ⁵² The other Israelites shall camp in their respective regimental camps, by companies; ⁵³ but the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the covenant,^[a] that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the Israelites; and the Levites shall perform the guard duty of the tabernacle of the covenant.^[b]